Final report on deadly crash still pending

September 14, 2010

By

Mike Bodine/Register Staff

Local first responders work to rescue victims from the fatal, three-car collision on U.S. 395 south of Bishop on Aug. 9. Three people lost their lives and 16 were injured. The CHP's final report on the collision has been hampered by delays involving injured witnesses and bureaucratic red tape. Photo by Mike Bodine

Representatives from the California Highway Patrol said Monday morning that the extensive report of the deadly crash that killed three and injured 16 on Aug. 9 on U.S. 395 will not be made public until next week.
The report has been purported as ready for release at least three previous times and the reason given for the delay has been the same every time: the CHP commanders and chiefs want to make sure the report is as thorough as possible.
The CHPâ€™s initial report still states that at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 9 a Ford Expedition SUV was headed southbound, when for an unknown reason, the SUV lost control, veered through the asphalt median, exploded into flames and ran head-on into oncoming northbound traffic. The collision has been described as one of the most horrific and deadly in Inyo County history.
The CHP's final, intensive report has been reportedly delayed by the severity of injuries of some victims â€“ making interviews difficult â€“ as well as the fact the report is being reviewed for approval by the highest-ranking CHP officials at a time when the agency is handling several deadly traffic collisions throughout the state.